Mercedes-Benz GLE 2019 Review

In recent years, competition in Malaysia's luxury midsize SUV market has become increasingly fierce. Many consumers in this segment are looking for a model that can meet both family travel needs and offer a balance of luxury and performance. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line, as a popular contender in this category, has attracted quite some attention with its hybrid powertrain, AMG sport package, and rich intelligent features. The main objective of our test drive this time is to verify whether its actual performance matches its price of nearly 585,000 ringgit and to assess its competitiveness among its peers.

Approaching the GLE 450, the most immediate impression is the sporty vibe exuded by the AMG Line package. The front features a large shield-shaped grille with the classic Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star matrix design inside, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, resulting in high recognition. The side profile has smooth lines, and the 22-inch large wheels (285/40 R22 at the front, 325/35 R22 at the rear) further enhance the sporty feel. The muscular lines around the wheel arches also make the body appear more robust. At the rear, the horizontal LED taillights echo the front design, while the dual exhausts on both sides emphasize its performance orientation. Overall, the exterior of this car retains the stability of a Mercedes-Benz SUV while adding a touch of youthful dynamism with the AMG package.

Stepping inside, the luxurious and tech-savvy feel is overwhelming. The dashboard features a twin 12.3-inch screen setup, dedicated to the instrument cluster and infotainment system respectively. The interface is clear, and the operation is smooth. The multifunction steering wheel, equipped with paddle shifters, offers a comfortable grip and supports electric adjustment with memory functions. As for the seats, the front seats feature electric adjustment with memory functions, providing good support and comfort; the rear seats also support electric adjustment and can be folded down 60:40, offering high flexibility. In terms of materials, most of the interior is covered in soft materials, paired with metallic trims, resulting in excellent quality. The configuration is comprehensive, including a 360-degree camera, automatic parking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and other safety features, making daily use both convenient and safe.

In terms of space, this GLE has body dimensions of 4924mm×1947mm×1772mm with a wheelbase reaching 2995mm. The rear legroom is very spacious; even a passenger with a height of 180cm can have more than two fist-widths of knee room when seated in the back. The trunk has a capacity of 630 liters, which can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats, meeting the needs of family trips or transporting large items. As for storage spaces, the door pockets at the front and rear as well as the central armrest console are quite practical, easily accommodating daily miscellaneous items.

Under the hood, this car is equipped with a 3.0L V6 turbocharged engine coupled with a 48V mild-hybrid system, delivering a maximum power of 372PS with peak torque available at just 1600rpm. During actual driving, acceleration feels very swift; even a light press on the gas pedal delivers noticeable power, achieving a 0-100km/h sprint in an official time of 5.7 seconds, making overtaking easy during daily use. The 9AT gearbox shifts smoothly, with nearly no sense of hesitation. The car offers multiple driving modes; switching to Sport mode makes the throttle response more agile and the power output more immediate.

In terms of handling, the steering is precise with minimal dead zone, making it very agile to drive. The suspension system features a multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort, but it also provides sufficient support when cornering, and the body roll is well controlled. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension can effectively filter out most vibrations, ensuring excellent comfort for passengers inside the car. However, due to the relatively low tire profile, there will still be slight vibrations transmitted into the cabin when passing through larger potholes.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined consumption is 9.4L/100km. During our actual test drive, with an equal mix of city and highway driving, the final fuel consumption was about 10.2L/100km, which is fairly average. In terms of safety, this car is equipped with 7 airbags, active braking, forward collision warning, and other features, providing a high level of safety.

As for ride comfort, the noise control is well-executed, with minimal wind and road noise during high-speed driving, keeping the cabin very quiet. The seats are also commendable for their comfort, ensuring that long journeys do not result in fatigue. Additionally, the inclusion of engine start-stop technology and an automatic parking brake function makes everyday driving more convenient.

Overall, the key highlights of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line include the robust performance brought by its hybrid powertrain, its rich configuration, and exceptional space. Compared to competitors like the BMW X5 or Audi Q7 in the same class, this car holds an edge in terms of luxury and features, while also being relatively reasonably priced. It is suitable for families that value luxury feel, need ample space, and also demand a certain level of performance. It's particularly well-suited for those who frequently travel with family but also wish to enjoy some driving pleasure occasionally.

In summary, this GLE 450 is a very well-rounded luxury mid-to-large SUV that can meet the needs of both daily commuting and family travel. If you're looking for a vehicle that balances comfort and performance while exuding a sense of prestige, it's definitely worth considering.